With the First quarter winding down to its last few days, we enjoy a well needed three day weekend because of Columbus Day. Even though we have four official days of school this week there are only three days of actual teaching. Wednesday is “standardized testing day” as it is in many schools in our area. The students will come to school in the morning as usual but, instead of classes standardized tests will be administered to freshmen, sophomores, and juniors—seniors have the day off. The freshmen take the EXPLORE test, sophomores the PLAN test, and juniors the PSAT. The EXPLORE and PLAN exams are given only to collect data—they are used to set a baseline for the students that their scores on the ACT later in junior year will be compared to. The PSAT exam is extremely important; determining national merit scholars and commended students. The exams will be over by 11:15 and everyone will be sent home early.
My quarter in Honors Chemistry is winding down with about 200 points earned this week—out of almost 1100 points total. There is a homework assignment due Thursday along with the Chapter 5 “QUEST” (half way between a quiz and a test). Friday the students take the 1st quarter exam; a comprehensive test over the first 5 chapters. They received a study guide for this exam October 5th and are allowed to make a “cheat sheet” on a 4 x 6 index card to use. The test contains 50 questions taken from their other 4 exams this quarter.
As I mentioned in the last post, the young man who was caught taking his test and answer sheet from the room on the first exam asked to be moved down into regular chemistry. His request was made on September 30th and I filled out the paperwork and handed it to his guidance counselor 4th period the next day. After a week he still had not been moved. Since it is unusual for the change to take so long I mentioned it to the guidance counselor last week. She told me that the paperwork had been completed, except for the parent signature which the young man was to get and return—but had not yet. That same day the young man came to see me after class requesting my help. Apparently he did not like the choice of teacher for his new chemistry class and wanted me to help him get assigned to a particular female teacher. I told him that I did not have the authority to choose his other teacher—that being the job of his guidance counselor and the registrar. I suggested he make his request to one of them. Another week goes by and he is still on my list. This impasse lead to the email I received below from his father on Friday:
“Why are you playing a game with my son in getting out of your class! This is now going onto the 4th week! I want him out of your class immediately and placed into Chem A with Mrs. […]. I am done with both your and [… ] shananagans! Get this done today if possible.”
Apparently the little rascal has convinced his father that I am the one holding up the transfer; the truth being I can’t wait until he is out of my class. Apparently he refused to turn in the paperwork unless he gets what he wants; and, not being as easily manipulated as his parents, the counselor won’t allow it. My entire reply to him was:
“I filled out the paper work and turned it in September 30th--the same day […] made the request. I don't make the actual schedule change--this is done by his guidance counselor and Mrs. […] the registrar.”
I forwarded his message with my response to the counselor and registrar in case they get contacted by the father. I don’t know how this will all turn out, but the counselor and registrar will rip the dad a new asshole if he gets in their face—neither having much patients with obnoxious parents and manipulating children. In any case, it is too late to complete the transfer before the end of the quarter this Friday. The young man will have to complete the homework, take the chapter 5 quest, and the quarter exam. If he fails those he will probably fail for the quarter, if he does well he could end up with a “C.” My wish for all students like this young man is not retribution or satisfaction if they fail (there is no satisfaction in failing a student), but rather justice for their actions. I don't blame the father; he appears to be a good dad who cares about his child. Maybe he is a little weak when dealing with the boy--but what parent isn't from time to time (me included). On the other hand, the boy is manipulative, dishonest, and scheming--maybe someday he will be a politician.